Minutes 10-06-2016 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 exists to assist law enforcement leaders to decide whether to join a growing minority of agencies that are implementing use of body-worn cameras. Commissioner Dorosin said this has become a critical issue in our society as of late, and there were some discussions about a year ago at the Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA) center about community and police relations. He said as these conversations continue this issue of body cameras keeps coming up. Commissioner Dorosin said Carrboro was about to adopt a body camera policy, but a state law was passed, which has not completely pre-empted the use of body cameras, but has put some limitations on the use. Commissioner Dorosin said the first step is to have a philosophical discussion about the value of having body cameras as pertains to what takes place between law enforcement and citizens. He said he would like to pursue the issue of wearing body cameras, and he is interested in the Sheriff's opinion, and how the State law impacts this analysis. Sheriff Blackwood said he is aware of what is going on in many communities, and, in large part, the community that would benefit from increased trust is not the community that causes the uproar when shootings occur. He said his philosophical approach to this topic is based in Graham v. Conner, which happened in Charlotte, NC. He said this case guaranteed that an officer will be judged by the "officer-on-the-scene" standard and not 20/20 hindsight, with the reasonable objectiveness that the officer has to make split decisions where circumstances are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving. He said this perspective evaporates when a camera comes into play, as it allows for 20/20 hindsight. He said this discussion has gone up and down with sheriffs all over the State. He said he does not have the answer to what should be done. He said the legislation was poorly written, despite having been drafted by two former members of law enforcement, but it is a starting point. He said if the shooting in Charlotte had happened today the video would not be released, due to the new State law. He said this is weighing heavy on him. He said in order to do this right the County should wait to see the final legislation on body cams. He said the cost of the equipment is becoming more affordable, but the cost for storage is huge. Sheriff Blackwood said he wanted to do the right thing with body cameras, and the purchase and use of them. Chair McKee asked if the Sheriff's office has any equipment now. Sheriff Blackwood said there are in-car video cameras, and if the Board funds one, then it should fund both cameras. He said the two cameras do different jobs, and to get the best footage both cameras must be present. He said his department is blessed to be in Orange County, and they are one of the only Departments in the State that has standards in place for their deputies. Sheriff Blackwood said he is not ready to accept body cameras yet, but he will continue to talk and work with the BOCC. Chair McKee asked if the in-car cameras are forward or forward and rear looking, and if the body cameras are on the vest. Sheriff Blackwood said there are many configurations, and the body camera can be on the eyepiece, which is the most optimal location for a body camera. He said the car cameras are forward looking, but can also view someone being transported in the back of a vehicle. Commissioner Burroughs said she wanted to know more about costs. Sheriff Blackwood said the costs of the cameras are between $20 and $60 each, with packaging including 5-year warranties and replacement cameras. He said 20 cameras would be $44,588, and 60 cameras would be $134,660. Sheriff Blackwood said unlimited cloud is very expensive, with a retention schedule from 30 days up to 20 years. He said the Sheriff Association is undecided as to whether the